(Washington, DC) The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) announced today that the moratorium on vending officially lifts October 15, 2006, initiating a 90-day, phase-in period for DCRA to implement its new vending program that begins January 15, 2007. (Read this media advisory in Spanish*, Korean* or Amharic*.)

DCRA is hosting a series of orientation sessions from October 10 through October 17 to educate current and new vendors about new rules, regulations and updated application process. The five, two-hour sessions lead up to the October 19 Vending Fair.

The fair features workshops on vending application basics, vending food regulations, vending merchandising and cart aesthetics. Vendors can also learn the steps to take to become a certified Local, Small Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (LSDBE) in the District. The fair will also include classes on accessing capital, writing a business plan, preparing financial statements, marketing businesses and working with communities. The fair will also feature a “Vending Best Practices” panel.

Government agencies and local resource providers are partnering with DCRA to provide education and information for everyone interested in becoming a vendor in the District of Columbia.

Read Frequently Asked Questions About Vending* in the District of Columbia.

Read the Frequently Asked Questions in Spanish*, Korean* and Amharic*.

DCRA Vendor Orientation

Dates		Tuesday, October 10; Thursday, October 12; Friday, October 13; Monday, October 16*; and Tuesday, October 17**
Time		6 pm to 8 pm
Location		441 4th Street, NW (One Judiciary Square); Old Council Chambers (1st Floor)

DCRA Vending Fair